Ultimate Alaska Adventure Full Itinerary

Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and overnight in Anchorage.

Day 1: Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (hotel to be determined at time of reservation).
Travel from Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm to the small mountain community of Girdwood. Today's adventure is a helicopter excursion
to one of the surrounding glaciers to try your hand at the famous Alaskan sport of dog mushing. High on the snow-pack, drive the sled yourself
or, if you prefer, ride in the sled as you enjoy the dramatic scenery. Afterward, bundle yourself up in actual Iditarod racing gear - including
an original bib-number - for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. Late afternoon we will continue south to Kenai Riverside Lodge, located
along the banks of the Kenai River. Settle into your cabin, and enjoy appetizers and dinner in the main lodge. (L,D)

Day 2: After breakfast, saddle up and hit the trail for a day of horseback riding. Today's adventure will take us into the backcountry
of Chugach National Forest where we'll scan for wildlife like moose, Dall sheep, eagles and more. The terrain allows an easy going, scenic
ride perfect for the novice to experienced rider.

Enjoy a picnic lunch and some time to explore nature before we meander our way back down the trail. After dinner relax in the wood-fired sauna,
on the riverside deck or in the main lodge. Overnight Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald
eagles and other bird species and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and, depending on the time of your visit, you may witness
their incredible spawning runs. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry
Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D) (Ask us about substituting a
day of fishing on the Upper Kenai River for an additional charge.)

Day 4: Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel
through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy splendid views of the lake and surrounding
wilderness. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options
for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's
guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 5: This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we’ll cross Skilak Lake on our custom boat and take a short van ride to a local
trailhead, for a scenic foray with gorgeous vistas of the Kenai Mountains and Kenai watershed. Lunch always tastes better in the backcountry,
and we’ll enjoy lunch during our trail hike before returning back to civilization. Return to Kenai Riverside Lodge this afternoon for relaxing,
and don’t forget to check out the riverside deck and bonfire pit - perfect for post-dinner s’mores! Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Following breakfast, bid farewell to Cooper Landing and the Kenai Riverside Lodge, as we travel through the Chugach National
Forest to the picturesque seacoast town of Seward, situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Board a custom catamaran bound for Kenai Fjords
National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! A four-hour
cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination:
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pedersen
Glacier. This afternoon, meet your lodge guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and
evening presentations. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 7: After breakfast in the main lodge, experience a day-long paddle (weather permitting) to the outer bay and wander your kayak
along the stunning coastline, keeping an eye out for seals and otters. This is also an excellent opportunity for bird watching; each year,
more than 50,000 seabirds flock to the Kenai Fjords, including horned and tufted puffins, common murres and black-legged kittiwakes. Midday,
land on a pebbled beach in full view of Aialik Glacier - the perfect venue to enjoy a picnic lunch and watch for dramatic glacial calving.
Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 8: This morning allows another opportunity to canoe, kayak, or explore the area in the morning before bidding farewell to
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Midday, embark on a return coastal wildlife cruise back to Seward. From there, board the historic Alaska Railroad
for a scenic backcountry rail tour back to Anchorage. Dinner and transfers not included. Dinner is available for purchase on the train. (B,L)

Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by 10:15 p.m. on the last day of your journey. See the "Alaska Travel
Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight
that departs after 1:00 a.m. in case of possible transportation delays.

Special Note: Due to the unique activities on this trip - some of which require travel by helicopter, small plane and horseback - safety protocols and seat rating limits require guests of the Ultimate Alaska Adventure to weigh no more than 300 lbs. As a condition of enrolling in this adventure, guests will be asked to provide weight and shoe size information at the time of booking.

What our clients say...

“The scenery, the seclusion, the guides, the travel mates, the activities, the food, the lodges, the wildlife, the snow capped mountains, the emerald green water, the glaciers....I could go on and on forever!! Absolutely, hands down, best vacation ever!!” - Laurie A., Tulsa, OK